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ruthdelacruz | Travel and Lifestyle Blog

Ruth dela Cruz is a travel and lifestyle blogger in the Philippines. She loves writing about her travels. Drop her a note at admin@ruthdelacruz.com. The internet knew her as @ruthilicious.

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December 2, 2013

My First PNR Train Ride Experience

Don't get me wrong, I grew up in Manila and commuting is part of my daily life. Taxi cabs have been my favorite. Imagine having different drivers everyday. Don't blame me. I live 16 km away from my place of work, and commuting after a stressful shift is suicide. My commutes on a cab is where I usually check my personal inbox, RSVP to invites, check news, sometimes blog, or mostly, sleep - which I do not recommend. I am always lucky to get the best drivers.

My good friend once told me, you can save your money that you use to take cabs in a year and you can go on an awesome trip abroad. (S)he is right. The very reason I take the more comfortable commute is that I cannot pay for the hours of rest and comfort. Anyway, last Saturday, together with another blogger, we tried taking the PNR train on our way home from Makati.

The PNR Train started the operation in 1982. After so many decades, it was neglected, and just became a landmark in Tutuban, Manila. It resumed its operation in 2009, and can be a good transport alternative when traveling from Manila to Alabang.

Click Read More to know more about PNR ride..

Ticket

We hopped on in Buendia station, and bought Php10 ticket (to Manila). During our conversation with other passengers, we found out that ticket price varies. I thought it is the same like in Beijing that you pay fix price everywhere you go.

In between Estacion Street and Osmeña Highway in Makati, near Waltermart Makati.

Edsa

Located at the intersection of South Luzon Expressway and EDSA bellow the Magallanes Interchange, Makati City

Nichols

East Service Road of South Luzon Expressway in Taguig, in front of Nichol’s Interchange

FTI

East Service Road of South Luzon Expressway in Taguig, near C-5 ramp

Bicutan

General Santos Aveñue in Paranaque, near SM Bicutan

Sucat

Along Meralco Road, Muntinlupa City

Alabang

Along T. Molina Street in Alabang, Muntinlupa, back of Starmall

Train Schedule

Unlike the MRT and LRT trains that come and go on different timeslots, PNR train follow a schedule (which is good). You can check the PNR train schedule here.

If you missed the train, you have to wait for 30 minutes to get on the next.

Inside the PNR Train

It was a Saturday and less crowded when we took the train. Some passengers who were sitting in front of us shared that it can go crazy on weekdays especially Mondays. I can imagine.

It looks like your typical train (old and rustic?),

but it has overhead compartments for luggage and bags

Seats are cushioned and I pray that they clean

and maintain it.

The PNR Train Ride

It was like any other train commute that I have taken, except that you get to see more of Manila. Its ugly places. We passed by the area in Sta Mesa and saw people who just built tents as house. It is unpleasant, but more of a sad sight.

These must be the people who they suspect throw stones to the train. You must have heard this. I remember that government once did relocation of informal settlers along railways. Well, the train has a solid railings in the window that would prevent glass breakage even if people outside attempt to throw stones and garbage. I hope they do not.

On a lighter note, I felt happy when after boarding the train, someone (a woman!) offered her seat to an old lady. I love simple random act of kindness. It is contagious. Spread it.

The travel time only took less than 30 minutes from Buendia to Tutuban. I feel like a new woman when I stepped out of the train. I conquered my fear. I hate riding trains crowded places and I have fear of crossing railways (seriously!).

I know this would not be the last time I would ride the train, who wants to go with me?

My Tips!

Before you hop on and get crazy with selfies.. I want to share some tips:

This is not a train that would take you to Disneyland. Take care of your belongings.

Be vigilant. It is nice to be friendly but always check for suspicious looking people.

I saw some peeps waiting and sitting down on the platform. Please, I personally do not recommend this. The security is pretty lenient about it - they say, simply because there are no available seats in the station.